Author's Note: Many thanks to Delwin for editing and hand holding. This story would not exist without her thoughtful comments. Also thanks to Photogirl1890 for catching typos.

As a warning, the second chapter includes a discussion of the events of Vis a Vis, specifically Steth (in Tom's body) having sex with B'Elanna while she thought he was Tom. While not graphic or violent, if you are bothered by a discussion of this kind of thing, you have been warned.

B'Elanna Ran

B'Elanna ran.

The smell of the ocean filled her nose as she took deep, steady breaths. She placed one foot ahead of the other on the smooth dirt trail that overlooked the Pacific Ocean. The trail was a runner's dream: periods of flat, steep climbs to challenge her endurance, gradual downhills that didn't torture her knees. The air was cool, but not cold. The scenery was stunning.

A runner's dream. And the first gift Tom had ever given to her.

She thought back to the day, sometime during their third year in the Delta Quadrant, when she had complained over lunch that she was tired of the treadmill in the gym and the track program on the holodeck. Harry had suggested one of the hiking programs, but B'Elanna explained that many of the trails were not great for running, having steep downhills or uneven terrain. She then talked about a trail she used to run along the ocean while she was on the decathlon team at the academy. How she would look out on the Pacific, in late summer mesmerized by the sun glittering off the water. Tom sat quietly as she and Harry went back and forth, describing a dream running trail.

Two months later, Tom had asked her to join him on the holodeck. That was not an unusual request, but asking her to wear her running clothes was.

When she arrived at the holodeck the program was already active and the computer informed her he was already inside. Entering, she saw Tom standing at a trailhead, also attired to run.

"What is this?" she asked, looking around.

"It's for you." He smiled. "It's a place for you to run."

She looked around and saw the California coastline, the Pacific Ocean, the gently rolling wide smooth trail. It was just as she had described, as she had wished for.

"You made this? For me?"

Tom chuckled. "Well, I'd like to use it too if that is okay… but yes, I made it for you."

B'Elanna didn't know how to respond, so she went with trite. "Of course you can use it… and… thank you."

"Do you want to go for a run?"

B'Elanna broke out into a huge grin of her own. "Do you think you can keep up with me?"

"I can try."

As they ran, Tom explained that the program had several different trails she could choose from and that it had a random feature that would create something new for her. After a few kilometers, Tom stopped talking, putting his energy into keeping up with her. A few more kilometers and B'Elanna slowed the pace as not to leave him behind. After ten kilometers it was clear Tom was done.

Coming to a particularly pleasant vista, B'Elanna stopped to enjoy the view. She could hear Tom panting next to her as he gazed out at the ocean. As she turned to face him, she saw the sweat rolling down his face, dampening his shirt. She could smell his odor, which was not entirely pleasant at the moment. And for the first time she realized she was falling in love with him.

"Holodeck time will end in five minutes," the computer's voice rung out from the sky.

Tom turned to face her. "Did you like it?"

B'Elanna nodded. "Yes, thank you. It's exactly what I wanted."

Tom smiled. "I'm glad. Computer, end program and transfer ownership of 'B'Elanna's run' to B'Elanna Torres."

"Transfer complete."

They exited the holodeck and, as was Tom's custom after a 'date', he walked her back to her quarters. She opened the door and stood half inside her quarters, waiting for him to kiss her cheek goodbye, as he normally did. But Tom looked uncomfortable for a moment before saying, "I'd give you kiss, but I have a feeling I don't smell too great."

B'Elanna shrugged. "I don't care."

He smiled and leaned down, turning his head slightly to press his lips against her cheek, but reaching up she grabbed his face, redirecting his lips to her own. The kiss was long and sweet and the first non-Pon Farr induced one they had shared. Their lips broke contact and B'Elanna smiled at him. "Good night Tom. Thank you again for the program."

Looking a little shell shocked, Tom replied, "Oh, uh, my pleasure."

The burning of her muscles brought B'Elanna back to the present. She thought back to that moment with Tom, how elated she had been as the door to her quarters slid shut. She had been trying to recapture that feeling, any feeling. But all she could feel was the pounding of her feet, her muscles crying for her to slow her relentless pace as she approached forty kilometers.

But B'Elanna kept running.